Hay
Statistical Area - sa2

Hay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hay's population is around 2,926 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 29 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,897 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,880 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 281 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 75 to 84 age group with an increase of 61 people.

The level of residential development activity in Hay is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hay has recorded approximately four residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 23 homes were approved, with two more approved so far in FY26. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $896,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, $19.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to other areas. Hay shows substantially reduced construction activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, this activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new construction in the area consists of standalone homes, preserving Hay's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated 477 people per dwelling approval, Hay's development environment is quiet and low-activity. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, housing pressure should be reduced, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the area.

Hay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include John Houston Memorial Pool Upgrade, Hay Structure Plan, Hay Health Services Redevelopment, and Bishops Lodge Affordable Housing Development. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Hay shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Hay has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of June 2025, showing an employment growth of 3.6% over the previous year.

In Hay, 1,658 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and construction. Hay has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 7.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 4.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hay's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Hay has a lower median income of $49,311 compared to the national average of $55,183. The average income in Hay is $55,183, while Rest of NSW has a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, the current estimated median income in Hay is approximately $55,529, and the average is $62,142 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Hay fall between the 16th and 29th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.6% of Hay residents (866 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 91.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 25th percentile nationally.

Hay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 92.7% houses and 7.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hay was at 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hay was $894, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent figure in Hay was recorded at $175, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $200. Nationally, Hay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hay features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.7% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Hay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 28.6%, comprising primary education (11.8%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

Hay's four schools have a combined enrollment of 385 students. Education provision is balanced with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 16 operational stops in Hay, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 74 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents generally situated 1749 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 10 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges in Hay. Common health conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% coverage (~1,392 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common conditions are asthma (10.3%) and arthritis (9.8%). 61.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.8% in Rest of NSW. Hay has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 26.8% (784 people), compared to 22.9% in Rest of NSW.

Hay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hay's cultural diversity was below average, with 84.7% of its population being citizens, 92.2% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Hay, comprising 69.7% of people, compared to 57.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (32.8%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.3%, Maori at 0.5%, and Scottish at 7.7%.

Hay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hay's median age is 48 years, which is notably older than Rest of NSW's median age of 43 years and significantly higher than the Australian median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 55-64 year-olds are particularly prominent at 17.1%, while the 35-44 year-old group is comparatively smaller at 8.7% compared to Rest of NSW's population. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.6% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 year-old cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.2%, and the 55 to 64 year-old group dropped from 18.2% to 17.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Hay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 53 people (20%) from 263 to 317. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 year-old and 45-54 year-old age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.